Learning differences and SAT or ACT accommodations

You’ve worked hard throughout high school, and now it’s time to take the SAT or ACT. We know that standardized tests can be a daunting prospect, particularly if you are a student with a learning difference. But you might not be aware that you can request special accommodations when you take the SAT or ACT. 

College admissions committees will not know that you took the test under modified circumstances, so you shouldn't hesitate to request accommodations if you need them.

SAT & ACT Test Accommodations

Depending on your learning disability, SAT and ACT test accommodations could include extended time to take the test, an assistant to read questions out loud, or a specific seating arrangement (students with ADHD, for example, may be able to take the test in a private room, or a room with fewer students). The basic fee is the same.

How to Request SAT/ACT Accommodations

You should work with your school's SSD (Services for Students with Disabilities) Coordinator as you apply for special accommodations. You may need to provide additional documentation of your learning disability from your school or a medical professional.

Begin this process as early as possible. It may take time to track down the appropriate documentation. And if you're denied special accommodations, you'll want plenty of time to appeal the decision.

The procedure to request accommodations for the SAT or ACT goes like this:

SAT AccommodationsACT Accommodations
Forms

With your school's SSD Coordinator, complete the Student Eligibility Form.

With your school's SSD coordinator, register to take the test and complete a Consent to Release Information to ACT (PDF) form.
When

As early as possible, preferably in the spring before the year you take the test.

As early as possible. The final deadline is usually four weeks prior to the test date.
Next Steps

You'll receive an Eligibility Letter that will describe the SAT accommodations for which you've been approved. The letter will include an SSD Eligibility Code.

If you're approved for testing accomodations, you will be notified by your school's SSD coordinator.
Registration

Use your SSD Eligibility Code when you register for the SAT test.

Work with your school's SSD coordinator to complete registration.
Timeline Approval is good for future College Board tests—SAT, SAT Subject Tests, PSAT, and AP exams—up to one year after high school graduation. If you’ve received approval from ACT, you will also receive accommodation if you take the test again.

We know that sounds like a lot of leg work (even before you factor in prepping for the test), but you’re not alone! When it comes time to send those scores to colleges, check out our book The K&W Guide To Colleges for Students With Learning Differences for help finding the school that meets your needs best.

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